Artist returns to her roots

An award-winning illustrator is returning to her West Yorkshire roots to unveil her latest collection of work.

Artist and author Catherine Rayner has chosen The Barefoot Gallery in Boston Spa, the village where she grew up, to showcase the largest collection of original paintings she has ever produced for a solo show.

The ethereal world created in the artist’s heart-warming books has enthralled a generation of children and their families.

Catherine, who studied at Leeds College of Art and Design, said: “I haven’t done anything on this scale for ages. It’s extra special because Boston Spa is where I grew up. It means a lot that my mum and dad will be able to come and see it.”

The mum-of-two also studied at Edinburgh College of Art and now lives in Edinburgh.

Catherine, 34, said: “These are the first paintings I have done since having my second child. It was a really nice way to get back into work because painting gentle animals is really therapeutic.”

Having written and illustrated more than 25 children’s books such as ‘Abigail’ and ‘Solomon Crocodile’, Catherine also exhibits her paintings and silk-screen prints worldwide.

Her books have been translated into 40 languages and performed in theatres throughout Europe, including the Royal Albert Hall.

This autumn, a musical score of her first published book will be revealed and will travel around the UK.

Her illustrations have been commissioned by companies including Harrods, Faber & Faber and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

The exhibition, which will also include new silk-screen prints, runs from June 10 to July 5.